Have you ever been in a conversation where you tell someone that you had to stay in a hotel because the lights went out in your house? The reason could be a power outage in the neighbourhood or a natural disaster, including hurricanes and storms. Sometimes it can take more than a week for the power to be restored. However, when you have a home generator, you don’t have to worry about being off the grid.

Buying a whole-house generator requires that you pay close attention to the specifications, which include fuel type, transfer switch, power output, installation and maintenance, and warranty period. Your choice will depend on the size of your home and the total wattage you need to power your home, including the refrigerator, air conditioner, Wi-Fi, oven, etc.

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Instead of spending endless hours on the internet and in shops near you, you can go through our detailed review of the best whole house generators. Our review is based on our own experience with the products, where we spent two days understanding their features, as well as expert opinions and customer reviews from trusted websites. At the start, you’ll see a list of the best generators we’ve managed to find, followed by a detailed review of each one, with pros and cons, and a buying guide to help you make the right choice.

 

Champion Power Equipment 100294

 

The Champion Power Equipment 100294 is a 14kW liquid propane and 12kW natural gas generator suitable for residential use. It produces less than 63dB of noise, which is equivalent to normal conversation or a low muffler sound.

Like many other generators, it is equipped with a 200 amp automatic transfer switch for easier operation. In addition, the generator automatically turns on whenever your home loses power, so you don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to turn it on manually.

The generator has a 24-volt starting system that allows it to work efficiently in sub-zero temperatures or extreme heat. And because of this quality, it does not need a warm-up kit. Its total harmonic distortion is less than 5%, so you don’t have to worry about damaging delicate electronics. The generator has a minimal footprint and can be placed up to 18 inches away from your home. Another advantage of this generator is its corrosion-resistant housing that can withstand the saltwater environment and storms.

Champion offers the best warranty of any generator brand we’ve reviewed. You get a 10-year limited warranty and free technical support for as long as you use the product.

Generac 70422

A favourite among many, the Generac 70422 has a power output of 22kW, which means it can easily power a medium-sized home. The generator uses both types of fuel – liquid propane and natural gas. It has a RhinoCoat powder coat finish that protects the aluminium body from corrosion, making the generator an ideal choice for all weather conditions.

It is equipped with a pressure lubricated engine called G-Force. It is designed to reduce maintenance and make it more reliable than other generators on the market. You can adjust the settings of the generator using the Mobile Link™ Remote Monitoring mobile app, which is free. Using it, you can also schedule maintenance service, access information, but also check its current operating status.

Its True Power™ technology provides clean, uninterrupted power for the smooth operation of all electronic devices. The Evolution™ controller’s LCD screen makes it so easy to check battery status and maintenance intervals that the generator is running at its best at all times. Users have appreciated the ease of installation of the unit. The generator comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Generac 7043

Encased in a corrosion-resistant aluminium body, the Generac 7043 has a harmonic distortion of less than five per cent, which protects sophisticated electronics. You can buy the generator alone or with the 200-amp automatic transfer switch. It has a power output capacity of 22kW.

You can remove three sides of the case for easy installation, maintenance and repair. Unfortunately, the cost of the battery is not included in the price, so you will have to buy it separately. The unit has a multi-lingual LCD display that allows you to monitor the status of the generator, check if it has been serviced and know if the power supply is present. When the silent self-test mode has been performed on the generator, it has registered a lower rpm. It consumes less fuel than similar products from other brands. Its Generac G-Force engine is pressure-lubricated and built specifically for generator use, so it requires less maintenance and service and is more reliable.

You can use both natural gas and liquid propane as fuel for the generator. Generac offers a Mobile Link Remote Monitoring app that allows you to control the generator from your smartphone, computer or tablet. You can check the current operating status and maintenance schedule using the app. Generac offers a five-year limited warranty on this generator.

Briggs & ; Stratton 40346

With a power output of 20 kW, the Briggs & Stratton 40346 is definitely a top choice for homeowners. It is equipped with an industrial grade Vanguard engine, which is designed to provide power within seconds after a power failure. The generator has a 200 amp transfer switch, which is sufficient for residential use.

It is relatively quiet, so your neighbours will not complain about any noise from the generator. It can handle two air conditioners simultaneously without any problems. The generator has a displacement of 993cc and uses 2.31 gallons of liquid propane or 187 ft3 of natural gas per hour. If you opt for liquid propane, you will need to install a storage tank on site. It also has a remote control option, so you can change the fuel temperature in case the weather gets too cold.

The installation process is simple and straightforward. Although it comes with a metal mounting bracket, we recommend that you install it on a flat surface. You can place it up to 18 inches away from your house. Briggs & Stratton offers a 5-year limited warranty on parts, travel and labor.

Briggs & ; Stratton 40445

The Briggs & Stratton 40445 is a standby generator with an 8kW output capacity and a weatherproof 50 amp transfer switch. You can use it to provide power to your entire house, including two bedrooms and two air conditioners, for a few days or more, depending on your energy usage. Installation is easy, and because it’s certified to National Fire Protection Agency Standard 37, you can place it up to 18 inches away from your house.

The generator has an automotive-grade galvanized steel outer shell, which ensures durability in all weather conditions and corrosion prevention. It is equipped with the Symphony II power management system that coordinates electronic devices that need more power, such as the air conditioner, with those that need less power, such as your toaster.

You can fuel it with natural gas or liquid propane, but you can’t change the type once you start using a specific fuel. If you choose liquid propane, you will need to install a storage tank on site.

The company offers a 5-year warranty on parts, labour and travel.

Kohler 20RESCL

Kohler is a trusted name among hospitals, homeowners and restaurants because of its super quiet operation. And this generator is no exception, producing only 64 dB of noise.

It’s also durable thanks to its corrosion-resistant housing, which remains intact even in the harshest seaside conditions.

The generator has an output capacity of 20 kW and a transfer switch of 200 amps. You also have the option of choosing a 100 amp automatic transfer switch. Its superior power quality allows the house to be lit within 10 seconds of a power failure. You can choose between natural gas or liquid propane to light it. It has less than 5% harmonic distortion to protect delicate electronics. The type of battery you need to operate is Group 51.

In addition, the generator is thoroughly checked before it is delivered to you, so you don’t have to have it repaired afterwards.

As it is a heavy product, weighing almost 300 lbs, you will need help to transport and set it up.

The generator comes with a 5 year or 20,000 hour limited warranty for added peace of mind.

What are the benefits of a whole house generator?

The biggest benefit of having a whole house generator on hand is your peace of mind, when you know your life won’t be disrupted by power cuts, whether for hours or days.

Whole house power

Because the generator is connected to your home’s electrical panel, you don’t need to go out and turn on the switch, plug in extension cords and connect your appliances. Just sit back and relax, because it all happens by itself.

Automatic

You can expect the whole-house generator to start working within five minutes of the power failure. Some good quality generators start working in less than 10 seconds, so you can get on with your work without being disturbed. You also don’t have to worry about food spoiling in the fridge or the house cooling down.

Saves money

First of all, you don’t have to worry about extreme heat or cold affecting you and your family because the generator will maintain the room temperature. Instead of going to a hotel to stay because of the storm or hurricane, you can stay in the comfort of your home and save hundreds of dollars. Food is kept at a high standard, you can shower, you can work from home, and also keep the kids entertained inside the house because you can run the TV and Wi-Fi using generator power.

Home insurance

Owning a home without home insurance is a risky business, even if it is an expensive expense. When you install a complete generator for your home, most insurance companies will give you a discount because the risks associated with your home are lower than their average model.

Peace of mind

There is nothing more comfortable than being in your home during a natural or man-made disaster. When you have a generator, you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get through it. You can go on with your life without any problems and even help people out of danger.

What should you look for in an ideal home generator?

Power output, fuel consumption and transfer switch

When it comes to generators, power is calculated in watts. The greater the power failure, the more expensive the generator. It takes 600 W to turn on a refrigerator, 60 to 600 W for lamps (depending on the number of lamps in the house), 1,000 W for a window air conditioner, 60 to 300 W for a computer or laptop.

We totally recommend you to buy the Generac 7043, which has a power of 22kW and an automatic transfer switch of 200 amps. It runs on natural gas and liquid propane, so you can choose the fuel that suits you best.

Quiet work

People often complain that generators are very noisy, which is also one of the reasons they don’t buy them. Some generators make so much noise that they won’t let you sleep at night. This can be horrifying if you have young children at home, you sleep better when it is completely silent.

The Champion Power Equipment 100294 is the quietest generator on our list. It emits a sound level of 63 dB, which sounds like a muffled conversation in a low voice.

Safety for delicate electronics

When it comes to the safety of delicate electronics, all the generators we have included in the list are good. They all have a total harmonic distortion of less than 5%, which means that they protect most sophisticated electrical equipment.

Size

The aim is to buy the smallest generator that meets all your needs. This will maximise fuel use. It also depends on the frequency of power outages for which you will need a standby generator of about 20-22kW. The Generac 70422 is an efficient generator for frequent use.

Guarantee

Given the price of these devices, make sure you choose a warranty of at least 5 years for home generators. Of the products we reviewed, the Champion Power Equipment 100294 has the longest warranty of 10 years, which is really impressive.

Additional features

Don’t pull the cord to start the generator and buy an electric start generator. All the generators in our list give you the option of choosing between the

Size

The aim is to buy the smallest generator that meets all your needs. This will maximise the use of fuel. It also depends on the frequency of power cuts for which you will need a back-up generator of about 20-22kW. The Generac 70422 is an efficient generator for frequent use.

Guarantee

Given the price of these devices, make sure you choose a warranty of at least 5 years for home generators. Of the products we reviewed, the Champion Power Equipment 100294 has the longest warranty of 10 years, which is really impressive.

Additional features

Don’t pull the cord to start the generator and buy an electric start generator. All generators in our list give you the option of choosing between natural gas and liquid propane as fuel.

Always check if the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shutdown, which shuts down the engine when the oil level drops below the minimum level.

How do I install a whole house generator?

Installing a whole house generator is relatively simple and does not require any technical or professional help. It will take you about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the generator.

Step one. You will need to start by installing an electrical sub-panel and a transfer switch next to the main electrical panel.

Step 2. Next, reroute your generator’s critical circuits to the sub-panel from the main panel.

Step 3. Create a concrete base for your unit. If you do not want to increase your expenses, you can level the ground but make sure there is no water source nearby.

Step 4. Place the generator on the base.

Step 5. Place a new high-pressure gas meter in a trench near the generator.

Step 6. Run a natural gas line, if that is your fuel of choice. Run a wire from the gas meter to the generator and make the connection.

Step 7. Attach the electrical cable from the generator to your house.

Step 8. Connect the electrical and gas connections to the back of the generator.

Safety tips

1. Maintain distance from the house

Generators should be placed away from the house. Some generators are certified to be placed 18 inches away from your house.

2. Never store in enclosed areas

Never store the generator in your garage, crawl space or basements, even if they are well ventilated.

3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Whatever your knowledge of generators, follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. Instructions differ from one manufacturer to another, so if you switch from one brand to another, be sure to read the installation and maintenance instructions.

4. Checking fuel safety

Turn off the generator when you fill it up. Also make sure it has cooled down, as fuel could spill or spark if you fill up while the engine is still hot.

Label it properly to avoid any negative impact. Always store it away from electronic equipment or equipment that uses fuel and in a cool, dry place.

5. Keep it dry

When you go to fill the generator or check the details on the LCD screen, make sure your hands are completely dry, especially if it is switched on and running.

6. Avoid carbon monoxide

Make sure you have battery operated carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home. If the generator overheats, it may leak this gas, which is fatal to human life.

7. Choose propane over gas

Propane is a more affordable option than gasoline because gasoline requires a stabiliser. Propane, on the other hand, does not need a stabiliser and refuelling is easy. All you need is to build a propane storage unit on site.

8. Check local service

Always buy a generator that has a service centre in your locality. This is convenient because you will get immediate service for maintenance and repair. Spare parts are also readily available.

Our verdict

Although the Champion Power Equipment 100294 is more expensive than the other models on our list, it is the best in terms of power failure, warranty, and also has a 200 amp automatic transfer switch. In addition, it is the quietest and makes no more than 63dB, which is the loudness of a muffled conversation.

Generac 70422 is the second-best ge

Our verdict

Although the Champion Power Equipment 100294 is more expensive than the other models on our list, it is the best in terms of power failure, warranty, and also has a 200 amp automatic transfer switch. In addition, it is the quietest and makes no more than 63dB, which is the loudness of a muffled conversation.

Generac 70422 is the second best whole house generator. It can handle both liquid propane and natural gas and has an output of about 22kW. It also comes with a 200-amp automatic transfer switch, which turns on the generator when the electricity goes out. The generator has an anti-corrosion aluminium housing that protects its engine in extreme conditions. We highly recommend it for those who live near the sea.

Briggs & Stratton 40445 is our economical choice. It has a power rating of 8kW and comes with a 50 amp transfer switch, which is weatherproof. Plus, Briggs & Stratton offers a five-year limited product warranty. You can fuel it with your choice of natural gas or liquid propane.

We hope our guide has been helpful in your search for the best whole-house generator. If you know of any other great generators we’ve overlooked, please let us know in the comments.